Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality ("ADEQ") were together presented with the 2022 Award for Environmental Excellence by the American Exploration & Mining Association ("AEMA"), a national trade organization representing the hardrock mining industry, at the association's annual meeting in Reno, NV. The award celebrates the efforts of ASCU and ADEQ to revitalize the Cactus Mine.
The Cactus Mine (formerly the Sacaton Mine) is located in Arizona at the convergence of three major geologic zones in western Pinal County, just west of Casa Grande. It was discovered in 1961 by American Smelting and Refining Co. (ASARCO) which commercially mined the site from 1974 to 1984, when the site was put under care and maintenance. The site was later transferred to an environmental trust during ASARCO's bankruptcy, until the 2020 acquisition by ASCU.
"It was through the vision of the state that this project became a reality," said Ian McMullan, ASCU's COO. "In 2019, this property was a taxpayer liability, however, on the basis of a strong working relationship with the ADEQ, the project continues to be de-risked and through the Company's feasibility studies, is advancing quickly towards a construction decision."
According to an economic study based on the 2021 Preliminary Economic Assessment and as conducted by Rounds Consulting Group, the project's 18-year operating life would result in an economic impact of more than $8.5 billion - the equivalent of a Super Bowl's economic activity every other year for nearly two decades.
"The revitalization is a real 360-degree win for Arizona," said ADEQ director Misael Cabrera, "it's a win for the environment, great for the creation of jobs and the economy, and the end result will be copper, a necessary building block for green technology."
"Our goal is to minimize our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in all facets of our organization, towards being a net zero copper producer," said ASCU CEO, George Ogilvie, "we are honored to share the stage with ADEQ on this important award."